The 2025 NCAA Women's Tournament tipped off on March 21, bringing with it thrilling moments that immediately reshaped brackets nationwide. From early upsets to dominant performances by top seeds, the excitement was palpable as the inaugural day of one of college basketball's premier events unfolded.
Fans were treated to a stunning upset when No. 9 seed Indiana Hoosiers defeated No. 8 seed Utah Utes 76-68. This victory marks Indiana's sixth consecutive tournament opener win, thanks to stellar performances by players like Yarden Garzon, who scored 17 points, and Shay Ciezki, who added 16 points, with Ciezki making 11 of her points in the crucial final two quarters. Indiana's ability to execute a decisive 15-4 run during the third period left Utah scrambling to catch up.
Meanwhile, No. 10 seed Oregon pulled off an upset of their own, edging out No. 7 seed Vanderbilt in a nail-biting overtime finish, winning 77-73. Deja Kelly led the charge for the Ducks with 20 points, demonstrating resilience after letting a once-19-point lead slip away. Oregon's tenacity came through in the clutch, where key free throws by Kelly and her teammates sealed their first March Madness victory since 2021.
On the other end of the spectrum, top seeds showed their strength with No. 1 seed South Carolina cruising to a dominant 108-48 win over Tennessee Tech. Freshman sensation Joyce Edwards led the Gamecocks with 22 points, fully embracing her moment in the spotlight during her first NCAA Tournament game. South Carolina's impressive victory saw them start strong, going ahead 31-11 early in the match, effectively stifling any momentum from the Golden Eagles.
Further showcasing their prowess, No. 2 seed Duke dismantled No. 15 seed Lehigh in one of the most lopsided scores of the tournament's history, winning 86-25. Duke's defense was stifling, forcing 30 turnovers against Lehigh, who shot a dismal 19.6% from the floor. Oluchi Okananwa stood out, scoring 15 points and demonstrating the Blue Devils' dominance on both ends of the court.
Elsewhere, fifth-seed Kansas State notched an emphatic 85-41 victory over Fairfield. Ayoka Lee returned to form with a double-double, scoring 17 points and grabbing 10 rebounds. Kansas State exploited their size advantage, significantly out-rebounding the Stags, 44-19, and dominating the paint. They will now prepare to face host Kentucky in a highly anticipated second-round matchup.
In a game that was overshadowed by injury, Notre Dame triumphed over Stephen F. Austin 106-54, with Hannah Hidalgo and Sonia Citron each scoring 24 points. However, the shadow of concern loomed when star player Olivia Miles left the court with a left knee injury, raising questions about her availability moving forward. Notre Dame's victory was marked by 28 forced turnovers, turning the tide in their favor decisively.
As the day wrapped up, the results showcased not only the unpredictable nature of the tournament but also the resilience displayed by several teams, particularly those positioned as underdogs. With matchups set for the following days, including Indiana taking on South Carolina and Duke facing Oregon, fans are left eagerly awaiting more thrilling action.
The 2025 NCAA Women's Tournament has already proven its capacity for drama, highlighting emerging freshmen talent like Joyce Edwards and showcasing established stars rising to the occasion. As teams vie for a coveted national title, each matchup promises a blend of intensity, skill, and inspiration that embodies the very essence of March Madness.
